In August 2016 (10 years ago this month) after the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in Manchester I felt inspired to write a poem about the experience.
Looking back and looking to the future, such gatherings can be immensely valuable! For everyone and personally.
A message for early career researchers (and students, seasoned researchers and other professionals) whether in person, virtually or on-line:
BE CURIOUS, GET OUT THERE, TURN UP!
ESOFs were Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meetings, covering science, society, business and careers.
What started as an impromptu decision to ‘turn up’ simply out of curiosity in Manchester 2016 lead to so much more. I went on to participate in press conference discussions and generally as a scientist and a science communicator at ESOFs for the next 6 years, Manchester, Toulouse, Trieste, and Leiden. In person at events in 2016 and 2018 and on-line for hybrid at events in 2020 and 2022. With media accreditation I was given access to all the sessions with the freedom to dip in and out in real time, participate in debates and discussions, or catch up later. I am forever grateful for the opportunities presented.
It’s not just about what you learn. It’s also about who you meet and making new connections.
Nobody knows everything. Surprisingly, I learned most from the areas where I was not an expert or had relatively little knowledge. There were opportunities to ponder, discuss and debate new concepts such as Open Science and questions such as Who Owns Space.
THESE TYPES OF INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUMS AND CONFERENCES ARE VERY MUCH ABOUT LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.
I benefitted from a ‘heads up’ for things to come which are here now; notably, the subjects of AI and quantum computing. Frontier science can be fascinating. Over the years I shared my learning and reported on a range of subjects including synthetic biology, the James Webb telescope, AI, quantum computing and other hot topics. It’s great to be there and hear experts from other fields at times of major world happenings (e.g. Brexit, the Covid19 pandemic).
I miss the ESOFs. I do hope there are these types of events that can continue to inspire!
From Manchester for the world. Looking back and looking forward to the future.
BE CURIOUS, GET OUT THERE, TURN UP
Stand up, speak out or quietly observe.
😊
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 26/08/2026
……..
[P.S. A 6-year period well-spent: Building on my own specialisms (in basic research – cancer research and DNA repair; applied research – drug development; clinical research; medical writing and medical affairs) this phase was about broadening my knowledge and experience. (During this period, I also took on work in a new and challenging cross-disciplinary area – population health intervention research PHIR).]
——-
Further comments:
Missing ESOF and the people I met.
Looking back and looking to the future with stories to tell in different ways.😊.